This is topic Megasystem? in forum Large Format Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.
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Posted by Antonio Marcheselli (Member # 373) on 10-01-2001, 02:51 PM:
Someone know a projector factory called "megasystem"? I've read an article on an Italian magazine: Italian's Warner Village Cinemas will install these projectors ("Mega 8/70/35") in their booths for the next three years...
I knew that WV had a contract with Cinemeccanica, did they found someone that sell cheaper projector???Bye
Antonio
Posted by Jerry Chase (Member # 660) on 10-01-2001, 03:05 PM:
http://www.megasystem.com/main.html
Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 10-01-2001, 03:50 PM:
Megasystems manufactures projectors for large-format venues. In other words, Imax wanna-be's. 
Looks like the projectors you mentioned will run 35mm, 5-perf 70mm and 8-perf 70mm.
Posted by Aaron Sisemore (Member # 145) on 10-01-2001, 08:27 PM:
Ballantyne manufactures some of the MEGA projectors, IIRC.-Aaron
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-01-2001, 09:25 PM:
I think Kinoton is the only one with a multiformat machine
The mega used to be 870 only with twin intermittents
Posted by Dick Vaughan (Member # 540) on 10-02-2001, 02:35 AM:
Gord Megasystems were exhibiting the dual 435/870 projector at GSTA in Chicago last week. It has dual gauge sprockets ,pad rollers etc. Steve Kitten was saying that it will be convertible to run 570 but will require changing intermittent sprockets and some other parts.
They also were displaying the prototype 1570 dual intermittent machine which they were saying would run 10,000 pass loops with no visible damage. I should like to see independent proof of that before jumping in and throwing out the ole'rolling loop!
BTW Megasystems offerred to supply 870 machine to run film at next years GSTA . Talking to Glenn Shaver it seems either Famous Players Paramount would seem favourite venue so A/B comparisons would be possible between 1570 and 870 ,otherwise the 3D 70mm theatre at OSC is alternative. I think that trying to shoehorn it into your booth at Cinesphere would be just a little difficult.
BTW congrataulations to Cinesphere on receiving the Founders Award at GSTA.
Posted by Adam Martin (Member # 641) on 10-02-2001, 06:37 AM:
Oh, come on, Dick, where's your sense of adventure? With that 30K lamphouse gone, there's plenty of room *above* the Imax in Gordon's booth for another LF machine! 
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-02-2001, 07:43 AM:
Well considering that regular we fit the big ILA JVC in for conferences I think I could make the mega fit
Posted by Dick Vaughan (Member # 540) on 10-02-2001, 08:21 AM:
Well Gord nothings definite as yet.. i am sure you could twist a few arms if you want to get hold of it . You could always hold John Gifford to ransom
Posted by Antonio Marcheselli (Member # 373) on 10-02-2001, 02:34 PM:
Thanks for the link.I didn't found information about 35mm projector on Megasystems website. Do they build 35mm projectors or not?
Bye
Antonio
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-02-2001, 04:54 PM:
Dick that wouldn't work they would say keep him
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-07-2001, 09:58 PM:
I have yet to see a single 70mm 8 perf theatre that impressed me a bit. ALWAYS a much dimmer picture, so dim in some cases that it actually bothered my eyes. Nothing can compare to running 15/70. Light level, and distribution is unequaled in large format projection. Dust and scratches are also magnified far less.
Optics for all 8/70 systems I know of are run of the mill...off the shelf Schneider, or Isco standard optics. This presents a big compromise in itself. The Imax system of incorporating the field flattener into the Leitz custom designed optics is the best so far. Perhaps if some of the 8/70 manufacturers put more effort into optics it would be a better system. The only problem then is that you have a lens that costs more than the whole 8/70 system does. IMHO I wish 8/70 systems would disappear as they are hurting the future of 15/70.
Mark Gulbrandsen
Salt Lake City, UT
Posted by Don Sneed (Member # 955) on 10-08-2001, 03:39 AM:
The only Megasystem projector they in make 35mm is a one of a kind in Tokyo Japan, it a 8/35mm for a customer who wanted this to their special need, its a Ballantyne turn on its side...they only manufacture 8/70 & 15/70mm machines....I service this projector here in Tokyo, & its a very good machine, uses a standard Strong SCDC platter ( well slighly modifly) but I have no problem with it, and the people at Megasystem is very good to get along with & very knowledgable in the field...
Posted by Dick Vaughan (Member # 540) on 10-08-2001, 05:00 AM:
DonI have a copy of a press release sent out by ZeeAnn Mason zmason@megasystem.com dated August 10 2001 giving details of the deal with Warner Village to install 870/35 projector at the Torri Bianche location just north of Milan, a flyer from Megasystems showing the projector and I was shown the the projector at the GSTA trade show by Steve Kitten in Chicago two weeks ago. I think it is safe to say this projector does exist.
I have scanned flyer and asked Brad to include these here
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 10-08-2001, 09:26 AM:
Mark:Schneider now has a line of purpose-built 8/70 lenses that are simply marvelous (looked at a 42.5mm lens recently).
I look at the 8/70 systems as a better choice for typical exhibitors that want a large format theatre. The Kinoton MP-75 allows for both 8/70 and 4/35 so the exhibitor can have it both ways.
If you want the IMAX presentation though...go to an IMAX theatre running 15/70. I don't see the point in typical multiplexes. IMAX would do best if they stayed with the type of venues they are known for (Museums and such). If there is an IMAX on every corner then they are no longer special and they all will suffer.
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Posted by John Pytlak (Member # 331) on 10-08-2001, 12:43 PM:
This discussion of various large formats brings to mind the saying "Different horses, for different courses". A well-designed and maintained 8-perf 70mm system should be able to display fine image quality, but not as large as 15-perf 70mm. Whether it's film format size or the size of the image file, "Size DOES Matter".
Most agree that brand recognition IS important too. Theatres should be careful not to misrepresent the format they are showing, or the type of equipment they are using.
------------------
John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7525A
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Cell: 716-781-4036 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com
Web site: http://www.kodak.com/go/motion
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-08-2001, 01:25 PM:
Steve,
I guess the problem is that they seem to be building "want-to-be" Imax theatres and they should have been 15/70 in the first place. All the theatres here have screens as big or bigger than some Imax theatres have. 60 by 80 feet(matte white)is simply beyond the capabilities of 8/70, at least they way it's installed here. A large problem is that none of the installations(at least that I've been to) are making use of gain type screens. The matte white screens being used simply cannot be lit bright enough, even with a 10K. I am aware of the Schneider lenses and other lenses developed for the format but they still do not come close to what Leitz created for Imax. Some of it might be just a difference between mass produced(Schneider) and not(Leitz). IMHO if an 8/70 theatre is even attempting to do an image of the Imax scale it will eventually klead to giving large format a bad name in General. I am aware of the versatility of the Kinoton but so far the best image I have seen is from the Iwerks Linear Loop machine here at the Dino Museum. The best thing though about the Kinoton is that you are not tied for life to one of the Large Format companies and the Kinoton equipment works very well. It would be my second choice for 8/70, the linear loop being first. As far as I'm concerned there is nothing else anywhere near as good as these two.
Mark Gulbrandsen
Salt Lake City, UT
John P.,
You are right on advertising sometimes being mis-leading. There is one 8/70 theatre here in SLC that regularly advertised "Filmed In Imax", or "Shot In Imax" right in their ads. While its not entirely mis-leading it really should not be in the ad. Those unknowing are sometimes led to believe that its also being presented in the Imax format as well. Boy, are they in for a big disappointment!
Mark @ GTS
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 10-08-2001, 04:44 PM:
Mark, I think we are in argeement here. I wouldn't recommend putting in an IMAX sized screen for a plex....but if they put in their typical wide screen (2.39:1) and when running large format, had the top/bottom masking pull away to reveal the full 4:3 screen...it should look quite good.As to the Schneider 8/70 lenses, I wouldn't classify them as "mass-produced"...They are probably fewer in number than IMAX (per year or otherwise). In fact, one often has to wait to get them...they only make a few per year and they won't "crank em out" just because there is a surge of purchases. One of the things I noticed on the one I tried was that they kept the image away from the edges of the lens...it just had a stunning look. Oh, and don't try to use 42.5mm lens in a Norelco DP-70 (for 5/70)...the picture won't get out of the projector! The front lens element is about 7" from the aperture on an 85' throw.
Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Posted by Stefan Scholz (Member # 147) on 10-09-2001, 03:07 PM:
BTW it works with 40 mm lens on the Norelco. ... All to do to cut the gearbox, seal with plastic, linnen and resin, and tamper the lensholder, and dump the front door.
Actually done on a AA II I still keep, to use in theme park applications. I took it, because the 35 mm sprockets were still brand new.
A photo ( I now own a digital camera) to follow.
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 10-09-2001, 04:40 PM:
Well if you cut the projector casting and modify the focus rack and such, the 42.5mm lens would work too, I'm sure but...Jeeze You are talking about some severe modifications (cutting into the gear case).Steve
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"Old projectionists never die, they just changeover!"
Posted by Larry Shaw (Member # 388) on 10-11-2001, 08:22 PM:
Should anyone want a peek at it, here's a link to our MP-75E page:
http://www.blsi.com/kinoton/mp75e.htm -Larry
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Larry Shaw
Boston Light & Sound, Inc.
North American Distributor of Kinoton GmbH
290 North Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02135-1990
Tel: 617-787-3131 x104 Fax: 617-787-4257
E-Mail: larry@blsi.com
Web site: http://www.blsi.com/kinoton
Posted by Stefan Scholz (Member # 147) on 10-12-2001, 06:21 AM:
Go, and look for the Kinotone MP75E. I love it, and I think it is among the best large venue projector built nowadays.
Posted by Mark Lensenmayer (Member # 134) on 10-12-2001, 07:17 AM:
The description for the mp75e says it is "Available in GigaVision and SpectaVision packages". I assume these a special venue formats. Can anyone explain what these are?Mark Lensenmayer
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 10-12-2001, 02:00 PM:
I agree with Stefan on it being the best choice. The best part is that you are not "stuck" relying on any of the large format companies, or pying large excruciating sums of money and relying on them to come service some exotic type of projector. The Kinoton stuff is all easily serviced by any qualified service personel. It saves you time and money. I also have yet to see a decent 8/70 installation by any of the large format companies, or equipment that really functions as advertised. There is always this or that lacking somewhere. I've used the Kinoton stuff and can vouch for its quality and the fact that it DOES WORK as advertised!
Mark @ GTS
Posted by Larry Shaw (Member # 388) on 10-12-2001, 06:34 PM:
Sorry for the missing link. There's information on GigaVision and SpectaVision at http://www.blsi.com/kinoton/giga.htm They are turn-key packages based around the Kinoton XX-75E projectors.
-Larry
------------------
Larry Shaw
Boston Light & Sound, Inc.
North American Distributor of Kinoton GmbH
290 North Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02135-1990
Tel: 617-787-3131 x104 Fax: 617-787-4257
E-Mail: larry@blsi.com
Web site: http://www.blsi.com/kinoton